In another demonstration of the emergent Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, UB has received $4.6 million from the Department of Defense to purchase a cyclotron and assist the university in developing its Clinical and Translational Research Center (CTRC).
The announcement, made on Oct. 28 by Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter, strengthened the impression of the medical campus as a developing economic and educational engine for the Western New York region.
"The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus has been an anchor of job creation and innovation for Buffalo, which is why I'm so pleased to announce this funding for the purchase of a cyclotron at the University at Buffalo," Slaughter said at the press conference.
A cyclotron is a type of particle accelerator, in which electromagnetic fields are used to propel charged particles at high speeds while containing them in well-defined beams. The device is extremely valuable to scientists in particle and nuclear physics, as well as physicians.
While the instrument can be used to treat cancer itself in treatment known as proton therapy, a developing alternative to chemotherapy, UB researchers will also use the cyclotron for enhanced positron emission tomography (PET) scanning, which holds promise in comprehending a multitude of illnesses, including cardiovascular and neurological diseases.
With regards to neurological illnesses, the cyclotron will permit researchers to observe the brain in a more functional state, as opposed to the structural examination of a CAT scan, allowing doctors quicker and more accurate diagnoses of illnesses.
"The cyclotron is an important addition to the CTRC in that it will allow UB investigators to use very short-lived radionuclides for functional imaging of the brain, heart and other organs," said Dr. Kenneth Tramposch, associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology.
Dr. Timothy Murphy, a UB Distinguished Professor and senior associate dean for clinical and translational research, explained the importance of the equipment and appropriations from the federal government.
"It's expensive, but you get what you pay for," Murphy said. "This has tremendous potential not only for groundbreaking research, but we also envision it leading to more grants, money and expansion of the medical facility based on critical clinical research."
The facility is expected to bring in about 130 new faculty members to operate and maintain the cyclotron when it's fully functional. The addition is also anticipated to foster the collaborative efforts between UB, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Hauptman Woodward Institute and Kaleida Health, which have been already developing.
The new machinery is an especially welcome addition to UB's ongoing research into heart disease, of which PET imaging has proven beneficial.
"The cyclotron fits nicely with the recent acquisition of a Positron-emission/Computed Tomography Scanner, funded by the National Institute of Health through a competitive peer-review process," Tramposch said. "This equipment was awarded to professor John Canty in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and will be installed in the CTRC building."
Specifically, radioactive isotopes are injected into the body during the scanning procedure. These isotopes can then be used to produce colorized, three-dimensional imagery of the functioning of the individual's internal organs, which can be used by researchers to diagnose and treat diseases.
This type of molecular scanning has transformed treatment in neurological disorders and PET scans can be used to study various metabolic functions of the brain.
The new cyclotron will reside in a 4,000 square foot facility custom designed for its operation. Installation is set for Summer 2011.
In spite of all the recent developments and acquisitions of new medical technology, Murphy stressed the long-term plans concerning the CTRC's place in the medical community. According to Murphy, this is only one of the first steps in establishing the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus as world-class.
"This is more forward momentum as casting UB as a research enterprise. The money, the technology – it all contributes to the big picture," Murphy said.
E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
